how to prepare for a rundisney race

Hi everyone!  Happy September!  I’m so excited to write and give you some tips about how to prep for a Run Disney Race!  I’m actually in training right now for the Wine and Dine half marathon in November, so it’s perfect timing to write the blog.

I’m going to give you my top 10 tips for preparing for your Run Disney race.  I hope this helps and that you have the best race and time!  There is something magical about running at Disney!

1. Train
Yes, it sounds funny to say if you’re running a race, but PLEASE make sure you train.  You should start training at least a few months before your race and have a specific plan.  The Run Disney website has plans you can follow and there are great resources on the web, Pinterest or even talking to other runners in social groups on Facebook.  Just make sure to get miles on your legs!  You definitely don’t want to get to race day and not be prepared, especially since Florida weather is so unpredictable and can often times be more hot and humid, which makes running difficult on the body.

2. Prepare for Lots of Different Race Conditions. 
So, I just got done mentioning that Florida weather is very unpredictable and it’s truly worthwhile to be prepared for different conditions.  I keep an eye on the Weather Channel radar before we leave for the week to come, but have had crazy situations come up.  In 2016, Marathon Weekend, it was supposed to be fairly warm and humid.  A severe thunderstorm came up unexpectedly and actually caused my half marathon to be cancelled, but my husband’s marathon was still on for Sunday.  Instead of being in the 60’s, at the start of the race it was in the high 20’s with wind!!!  He was pretty miserable and cold!  We learned our lesson.   I would pack some items for warm weather and some layers that you don’t mind leaving on the course if the weather turns cold.

3. Plan out what you will wear. 
I have been the person trying to order a cute tank for my race photos off of Etsy last minute or going to the expo in hopes of finding something…it’s not a great idea!  Plan everything you will wear and carry with you ahead of time.  It takes away the stress AND you should wear your race outfit BEFORE your actual run to make sure it’s comfortable and what you want to wear.  The worst thing is to be on the course, trained and having a wardrobe malfunction that makes you miserable!  I’ve been there!  Tutu on the side of the road!  You’ll see lots of those left behind!!!  There are tons of options and different styles you’ll see at Run Disney races.   There are people who wear full on costumes and those who wear nothing costume like.  Think about your goal in the race and dress for that.  I always wear a cute tank that I order from Etsy with a sparkle skirt over running spandex.  I look cute, get my Disney on and still can run comfortably for a good time!
 
4. Plan what you will bring for during your race.
​While training, test out different fluids and fuel that will hydrate you, keep you going and give you energy.  Disney does provide water and an electrolyte drink, and on the longer courses a type of fuel, but I’ve found it’s always better for me to bring my own so I have it when I need it and I know how my body reacts to different fuel during a race.  For example, I cannot use the syrupy, liquid energy gels, they upset my stomach.  Just test out some things as you train and bring them with you for race day!

5. Prepare to do everything as early as possible. 
Run Disney is the most amazing experience, but I will tell you because of the number of people…like 25,000 racers, you should give yourself EXTRA time to get to anything you need to do race weekend.  So, before you go, do not plan to get to anything last minute.  I suggest getting to the expo as soon as you can, because I’ve seen mistakes made and it doesn’t get fixed fast!  There are thousands of runners so everything takes so much time.  Also, get to your race EARLY.  YES,  you will do a LOT of waiting around and it will be EARLY, but the stress of missing a bus or getting to your corral late because of crowds is worse than hanging out with some new friends before the race for a couple of hours.  Plus, you just don’t need the extra stress, you’re there to have fun!
 
6. Make a Race Plan. 
Get the course map and find out where you’ll be running.  Get excited over all the Disney sights you’ll see, when the parks are quiet and not open to the public!  Something else I like to do is look at where the regular park bathrooms are along the course so that if possible, I can avoid the porta pottys…they are pretty disgusting during races!  Just being honest!  And the other thing to do, is if you have family or friends cheering you on during the race, plan a place where they will go and you know they’ll be there!  It’s so fun to see familiar faces on the course when you need encouragement!

7. Have a Vacation Plan. 
​If you plan on enjoying Disney for a few days since you’ll already be there, I would highly suggest doing it after your race.  You want to conserve your energy before the race so you can do your best, enjoy what you’ve trained for and then just relax on vacation.  You would be amazed at how just walking around the parks drains you.

8. Expect Crowds.
Remember that number I mentioned before, 25,000 runners (about), Run Disney races are CROWDED.  If you have a qualifying time you turn in and get in one of the first few corrals, it’s not as much of a problem.  If you are towards the back of the corrals, you will have a lot of people on the course with you.  My advice is to enjoy the scenery, if you’re with friends enjoy the company, HAVE FUN, keep a 14-15 minute mile pace to stop for characters and avoid being swept by the Balloon Ladies and PLEASE practice proper race etiquette.   This makes the race much more enjoyable and safe for everyone. 

​9. Get involved in the Run Disney Community. 
There are an amazing number of Facebook groups and Instagram hashtags with people who LOVE Run Disney.  I have found the greatest friends this way and we even meet up at the race.  I typically run by myself, so I will post in a FB group and ask if anyone is staying at the same resort and wants to meet up and ride the bus with me.  It’s been so amazing to connect with others Disney Race lovers this way!  The running community is so uplifting and friendly and being Disney runners makes it even better! If you are interested in the Run Disney groups, feel free to send me a message and I’ll share them with you!
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10. Make a List and Check it Twice. 
There are so many things you need when preparing for a race and travel and also if you are planning a Disney vacation afterwards.  I suggest making a list of your needed items and packing extra just in case.  You will be able to find things you need there, but they are always more expensive and it’s not fun to be running around trying to find something you forgot when you just want to be having fun.  Here’s a suggested list of how to pack for a Run Disney Race.

Run Disney Packing List

• Printed Waiver (everyone’s who’s running a race, race retreat & chEAR squad packet pick-up info if doing that)
• Driver’s License (need ID to pick up packet)
• Race outfit/costume
• Running shoes and socks (if you have 2 pairs of shoes bring both)
• Cheap blanket to take to start line and leave or old sweatshirt/jacket
• Gels, gummies, GUs for during the race
• Phone & charger
• Race belt, phone armband, etc to hold your fuel, phone…during race
• Race watch and charger if you use one
• Sunscreen
• BioFreeze, Advil, essential oils
• Water carrier if you use one
• Extra set of clothes for race day if weather changes
• Rain gear for race day (hat or visor to keep rain out of your eyes)
• Body Glide, bandaids, lip balm
• Sports bra (female)
• Waterproof phone case or plastic bag ​

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ABOVE ALL, TAKE IN THE MAGIC, HAVE FUN, & BE PROUD OF ALL YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED!

We would love to help plan your next Disney vacation. 
Kristin
​We are inspired by your smiles and committed to your adventures!
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